Minsk, November 4, 2024 – The Europe Today: Belarus will undergo a major reshuffle among its diplomats stationed abroad, according to Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov. Speaking to journalists after briefing President Alexander Lukashenko, Ryzhenkov emphasized that the personnel changes are not driven by any emergency but rather a delayed rotation process that now requires immediate action.
“We are preparing a significant number of new appointments in the diplomatic corps,” Ryzhenkov stated, dismissing suggestions that the timing is related to elections or other political motivations. He noted that rotation in diplomatic roles is standard practice internationally, aimed at maintaining neutrality and avoiding diplomats’ undue influence from host countries.
“Every individual who lives abroad is subject to powerful information influences, which can subtly affect their perceptions,” Ryzhenkov explained. “It is essential for diplomats to maintain clear, objective perspectives, ensuring they represent Belarusian interests uncompromisingly.”
The rotation, Ryzhenkov highlighted, is about broadening experience and bringing fresh perspectives to Belarus’s Foreign Ministry. He praised the contributions of outgoing ambassadors, emphasizing that their return is part of career progression rather than performance concerns.
Although specific appointments are yet to be finalized due to the diplomatic process of obtaining host country agréments, the Foreign Minister confirmed that potential candidates were carefully vetted. “The president values the patriotic loyalty and professional competencies of each candidate,” Ryzhenkov said, adding that each individual’s alignment with Belarusian interests was thoroughly considered.
Beyond personnel, the discussions with President Lukashenko covered Belarus’s broader foreign policy agenda, including relations with the CIS, trade developments, and strategies for reorienting export flows to strengthen economic resilience. Ryzhenkov’s meeting, he added, served as a progress report on his first four months in office, reflecting Belarus’s current focus on strengthening diplomatic and economic ties globally.
